A marriage is a service where two different people or some are united in matrimony. Wedding practices and customs fluctuate greatly between civilizations, ethnic teams, religions, countries, and interpersonal classes. Most marriages entail an exchange of relationship vows by the few, presentation of an surprise (offering, ring(s), symbolic item, blossoms, money), and a general population proclamation of relationship by an expert number or celebrant. Special wedding clothes tend to be worn, and the service is sometimes accompanied by a marriage reception. Music, poetry, prayers or readings from spiritual texts or books are also commonly contained into the wedding ceremony.

Some ethnicities have adopted the original European custom of the white wedding, when a bride would wear a white bridal dress and veil. This traditions was popularized through the relationship of Queen Victoria. Some say Victoria's selection of a white outfit may have simply been an indicator of extravagance, but may are also inspired by the principles she kept which emphasized erotic purity. Within the present day 'white wedding' traditions, a white dress and veil are uncommon options for a woman's second or succeeding wedding.

The usage of a wedding band is definitely part of spiritual weddings in European countries and America, however the origins of the custom is unclear. One opportunity is the Roman notion in the Vena amoris, that was thought to be a blood vessels vessel that ran from the 4th finger (diamond ring finger) right to the heart and soul. Thus, whenever a couple wore jewelry upon this finger, their hearts were linked. Historian Vicki Howard highlights that the opinion in the "old" quality of the practice is most probably a modern technology. "Double band" ceremonies are also today's practice, a groom's strap not appearing in america until the early on 20th century.

Most religions realize a long term union with founded ceremonies and rituals. Some religions allow polygamous relationships or same-sex relationships. Many Religious faiths highlight the bringing up of children as important in a married relationship. In Judaism, relationship is so important that staying unmarried is regarded as unnatural. Islam also suggests relationship highly; among other activities, it can help in the quest for spiritual perfection.